It has been an interesting study as of sorts. The big ten as some would call them. Conceivably, one could even draw a sharp parallel between the garden and the world the Israelites are inhabiting.
Adam leaves the Garden, works the ground, tends the sheep, multiplies, kids grow up, they move off.
As a result of the continued procreation, man multiplies to the point that the same process begins to repeat itself. Man receives a worldly garden as a result of his continued sin and then begins to worship the garden once again. God allows them to fall, again, and out of his gracious love for them, he delivers them out of their predicament. However, this time, God gives them a book of rules, so to speak. An owner’s manual for them to follow, or at least try.
“Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: `You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and [how] I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. `Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” (Exodus 20: 3-7, NIV)
“Now then, if “I” will only obey” Gods voice; if I will “keep His “covenant.” Hmm…
Once again, God comes searching for them, and their hearts (and mine), to see if they want to carry on a conversation with the creator.
Into the garden I go, searching for God and what he has to say to me today, knowing full well that He is already there waiting for me and everyone else to engage in a meaningful conversation; and for just once, God wants us to listen.
The teens I work with are listening; they hear and are asking questions. They realize they need God and are searching for the answers; as a result, they are willing to admit they do not have the power themselves to keep the big ten on a regular basis. However, they are willing to try, and that is the difference.
If we were only willing….
